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Best 40-42" Smart TV for Small Bedroom

post #1 of 79
11/16/12 at 4:47pm
Thread Starter 
All, with Black Friday rapidly approaching, I have decided to buy a LCD or LED for my small bedroom. I plan to mount it in the upper corner wall so I can see it from the bed. I checked with the viewing guide on Amazon and it states from 8', I need a minimum TV of 40".

Since i have a netflix & vudu accout, I would like to get a Smart TV so I can view movies on those 2 options. However, from what I've been reading, the smaller smart TVs (less than 46") aren't getting the best reviews. The few review I have found on CNET scores them an "Ok".

I did see a good review of the Vizio's 32" but I believe that will be too small (I checked it out at Walmart). So I noticed on Vizio site they have a 42" (E420i-A1) so I thought since it's in the same model configuration as the 32" and since the 32" received a good review, then the 42" would receive a good review as well. Nope. Heck, I can't find a site that reviewed Vizio's 42" smart TV.

So I'm back to the beginning. I did see Walmart has a Black Friday sale of a Samsung 46" Smart TV but I think a 46" would be too big/gaudy for my room.

I checked out the LG line but I find reviews warning about LG tvs. I looked at Sony's line but they don't carry Vudu.

As you can see from my ramblings, I"m getting overwhelmed on this project. Am I over thinking this?

My budget is $400-$600 and I could spend a bit more if I need to but rather not. Oh, I'm not a big fan of 3D so that's not a major concern.

I appreciate any advice. I hope I make sense!

Thanks again!
Schwacker

PS. Since I live in Denver and the high altitude I've been staying away from plasmas.
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post #2 of 79
11/16/12 at 5:26pm
Lots of deals out there, check out amazon. Look up any of the samsung tvs and usually in the listing they will have a chart with all the models sizes and features.

My advice to you that if you want a smart tv to do netflix is to make sure it supports netflix @ 1080P - otherwise it'll look terrible no matter what distance you look at it.

Here's the netflix 1080p list samsung specific:

http://support.netflix.com/en/node/2250#gsc.tab=0

here's a amazon listing that has the chart i'm talking about under "samsung led tv chart"

http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-UN60ES7100-60-Inch-1080p-240Hz/dp/B0078LN0RE/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1353115428&sr=8-3&keywords=es7100

Looks like your best bets would be the ES6000 series. They both have the size and features you're looking for.

Obviously it seems like I'm pushing samsung - I'm not but you get the idea - get the most out of netflix or whatever streaming media entity you can by buying a compatible device.
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post #3 of 79
11/16/12 at 5:36pm
Thread Starter 
Maliclipse,

Thanks for the quick response. No worries about Samsung. Actually that was the brand I started my smart tv search. It's just that, maybe I'm wrong, but they have a 40" TV but I think it's not highly rated. Or I think the model similar to it was reviewed on CNET received a mediocre rating.

Again, I was thinking 46" but I think it may be overkill for my room.

Thanks for the links. I didn't realize netflix has their own guide on tvs.

Oh, I didn't point out that I want built-in wifi as well since I can't run a network cable to my room.

Thanks for the advice!

Schwacker

PS. This is what I hate about reading reviews. On Amazon, the 40" Samsung 6000 received good reviews by owners but then here is the quote on this model from CNET: "Although it's cheaper than Samsung's ultrathin edge-lit models, the EH6000 series's value proposition is hurt by mediocre picture quality."

I also think you mean the ES6100....and I did find a review on televisioninfo.com and they gave it a 8.1. So I think this could be my lead contender
Edited by Schwacker - 11/16/12 at 5:51pm
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post #4 of 79
11/16/12 at 6:04pm
You are overthinking it.

And I run Netflix on a 42" screen at 480p and find it acceptable, not quite DVD quality. I like fast load times. 720p is actually horendous, at my DSL speed.
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post #5 of 79
11/16/12 at 6:13pm
Also, there is nothing wrong with a Plasma in a place like Denver. BTW, what is the size of the bedroom? 42 or larger may be overwhelming for a bedroom 12x12. We have a 32" in our bedroom and have no problem watching it from 10 feet away. Our Plasma is a 42", and we watch it from 10 feet away in our living room with no problems.

As for smart apps, keep in mind that there are some sets that had problems in the past with the apps, but by now those problems for the majority should be ironed out. Also as for Amazon, CNet, those reviews are one sided and most of the time, are bought by the manufacturer to make their tv sound better in writing than the competitors.
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post #6 of 79
11/16/12 at 7:37pm
Ive actually found the reviews on Amazon to be almost universally legit. Ive checked into this on products and categories of products that I am extremely familiar with.


I wouldnt go bigger than 42" in a normal bedroom.

I would say 37" to 40" would be pretty widely ideal. 37" gets you into a subjectively perceived "Big Screen" size, where 32" is just underwhelming IMO. Of course it is particular to any specific space/room. You are in the best position to make that call OP. If you think 46" is too big, then maybe 42" is too. I myself group the 37 to 40" sets and the 42" to 47" sets. That makes 42" one of my favorite sizes for value, ie get a 42" set instead of the 46 or 47 incher and save some bucks. But I prefer the offerings in 40" over the few in 37" generally speaking.

Ive seen a set up with a 120" painted silverscreen wall and an LCD projector. wink.gif
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post #7 of 79
11/16/12 at 8:16pm
I have actually found the majority of the reviews on Amazon, just like Yelp faked. I go by smart consumerism, and going by the info on here from others opinions.
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post #8 of 79
11/17/12 at 5:18am
It still all goes back to the old adage that "you get what you pay for." My personal favorites in the 40" - 42" range this year are the:

Sony KDL-40EX645
Samsung UN40ES6100
LG 42LS5700

The Black Friday TVs are usually stripped-down models with fewer features and this Forum is full of people who regretted buying them just to save some money. For what it's worth, I have a 40" Sony EX640 (slight difference from the EX645 which has wi-fi built in whereas mine has a USB "dongle") in our bedroom and love it. My son and his family have the Samsung UN40ES6100 and he feels the same about his. Good luck in your search.
Edited by BoilerJim - 11/17/12 at 5:23am
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post #9 of 79
11/17/12 at 6:06am
Everyone else is spot on. Makes me wonder how small your bedroom is though because our 40" was way too big for our bedroom. I mean, it fit, but it was ridiculous. Our room ix 9x10 though. Finding a TV that size in your price range shouldn't be too difficult though and the Samsung UN40ES6100 is pretty darn good. I can vouch for it.
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post #10 of 79
11/17/12 at 6:23am
Thread Starter 
All,

Thank you for your numerous feedback and advice. It's well taken! Now you have me re-thinking the size. I measured my room and it's roughly 11 X 11. So anything bigger than a 40" would look stupid. So I'm going back to Walmart and re check the highly reviewed Vizio 32". I never bought a Vizio but it's a smart TV. Though I still wouldn't mind looking at the Samsung 40".

Again, thanks. I really do appreciate it.

PS. Doing a comparison between the Vizio 32' & Samsung 40", I see that the 40" is 1080p and has extra HDMI port (besides other stuff). I'm wondering if 1080p is going to be that noticeable between a 32" 720 and a 40" 1080p. I always thought you don't see the difference between 720 & 1080p unless it's on a 55" or higher screen and the viewing distance.....
Edited by Schwacker - 11/17/12 at 7:45am
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post #11 of 79
11/17/12 at 8:24am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Schwacker View Post

All,
Thank you for your numerous feedback and advice. It's well taken! Now you have me re-thinking the size. I measured my room and it's roughly 11 X 11. So anything bigger than a 40" would look stupid. So I'm going back to Walmart and re check the highly reviewed Vizio 32". I never bought a Vizio but it's a smart TV. Though I still wouldn't mind looking at the Samsung 40".
Again, thanks. I really do appreciate it.
PS. Doing a comparison between the Vizio 32' & Samsung 40", I see that the 40" is 1080p and has extra HDMI port (besides other stuff). I'm wondering if 1080p is going to be that noticeable between a 32" 720 and a 40" 1080p. I always thought you don't see the difference between 720 & 1080p unless it's on a 55" or higher screen and the viewing distance.....

since you have decided to upper mount to corner wall, I assume rough estimate calculation "diagonally" from your eyes to tv should be around 12-13ft. for your room size 11x11ft.
then I recommend 42" tv should be just nice for viewing. LG 42LS5700 will be a nice set to go for,
http://tv-compare.blogspot.com/2012/09/samsung-un40eh6000-vs-lg-42ls5700.html
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post #12 of 79
11/17/12 at 8:45am
We have a Sony Bravio 32" in our bedroom, and used to use a Roku box for netflix, amazon, but found that we never used it like we thout that we would, so gave it to our neighbor.

The one that we have is better than what we thought that it would be, and after adjusting the settings, the picture is really good.

No matter what you get, take the time to do adjustments to the settings. I aleays hate going to someones home and the picuter is out of the box, no matter where they have it set.
Edited by gregzoll - 11/17/12 at 12:08pm
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post #13 of 79
11/17/12 at 10:17am
Im voting for the 40" Samsung over the 32" Vizio.
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post #14 of 79
11/17/12 at 10:27am
Thread Starter 
Thanks Terrance for the link. I'm going to check it out now. As stated before, I read some posts that warns about the quality of LG but I'm willing to look....
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post #15 of 79
11/17/12 at 10:29am
Thread Starter 
Curious why? Samsung brand name? More HDMI inputs? The thing is....currently, the Samsung is approximately $400 more than the Vizio. Is it really worth the extra $400. However, if the Samsung price drops this season then it's a different story smile.gif
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post #16 of 79
11/17/12 at 11:58am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Schwacker View Post

Curious why? Samsung brand name? More HDMI inputs? The thing is....currently, the Samsung is approximately $400 more than the Vizio. Is it really worth the extra $400. However, if the Samsung price drops this season then it's a different story smile.gif

40"
Slightly better apps and functionality
1080p
Better blacks = more contrast and better color and image pop

Im a Vizio fanboy, so it isnt the name.

Check out the Vizio E400i A2. Maybe it's cheaper.

And the Samsung 40EH5300.
Edited by EscapeVelocity - 11/17/12 at 2:50pm
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post #17 of 79
11/17/12 at 12:22pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Schwacker View Post

Curious why? Samsung brand name? More HDMI inputs? The thing is....currently, the Samsung is approximately $400 more than the Vizio. Is it really worth the extra $400. However, if the Samsung price drops this season then it's a different story smile.gif
You'll find that VIZIO doesn't get a lot of love on this forum. Many seem to have a tendency to fail after the year warranty is over, so if you buy a VIZIO, we recommend an extended warranty.
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post #18 of 79
11/17/12 at 12:27pm
I disagree with that assessment Vizio failure rates and issue rates are comparable to the big names. One plus, is that you didnt spend high dollars on it, if/when you do have problems. There is no end of disgruntled TOTL Samsung and Sony buyers. Look into the "Bad Caps" if you want to see the horror stories. I have 2 Vizios, one from 2006 and one from 2007 which have been problem free.

But do what you like, it's your money and your TV.
Edited by EscapeVelocity - 11/17/12 at 12:32pm
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post #19 of 79
11/17/12 at 12:39pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Schwacker View Post

Thanks Terrance for the link. I'm going to check it out now. As stated before, I read some posts that warns about the quality of LG but I'm willing to look....
You are questioning the quality of LG vs VIZIO? That gave me a big chuckle. I understand that not everyone has an unlimited budget to go out and buy a TV; however, sometimes the cheapest brand turns out to be the most expensive. And, I'm certainly not trying to be a snob so PLEASE don't take it that way, but AVS Forum is basically a forum for enthusiasts who probably care as much or more about the quality of their TVs with price as something that's important but who are willing to pay a bit more to get the quality/size/reliabiity/features they desire.
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post #20 of 79
11/17/12 at 12:40pm
I second the recommendation on getting an extended warranty for the Vizio. Just make sure you understand what the extended warranty covers. I understand why you want a smart tv, but it's unfortunate that it seems to be the deciding factor over pq in your purchase. Smart tv's can have all kinds of issues from streaming reliability to pq to upgrade problems. You're always much better off to use some sort of external device like a blu-ray player or any of the STBs (Apple, Roku, etc). However, if you're hanging it in your bedroom, external devices are not an option.
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post #21 of 79
11/17/12 at 12:48pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by EscapeVelocity View Post

I disagree with that assessment Vizio failure rates and issue rates are comparable to the big names. One plus, is that you didnt spend high dollars on it, if/when you do have problems. There is no end of disgruntled TOTL Samsung and Sony buyers. Look into the "Bad Caps" if you want to see the horror stories. I have 2 Vizios, one from 2006 and one from 2007 which have been problem free.
But do what you like, it's your money and your TV.
Samsung has fixed their defective capacitors for free for the past 4+ years. Sony is also very good with post-warranty problems when they know it's their fault. Read the threads about how VIZIOs have broken down after 13 months and VIZIO says, "Oops, we're sorry" and then the TV becomes an expensive doorstop. I've also seen other threads about how VIZIO parts can be very hard to find.

I'm glad you've had good luck with VIZIO, but I think I'll pass.
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post #22 of 79
11/17/12 at 12:57pm
Yeah, the bad caps came out of China after a stolen formula wasnt quite right, and Samsung and Sony got caught sourcing cheap shady parts.

I bought a big screen CRT, a DVD Player, and a VCR in the late 90s, all Samsung, and they were all duds. So I soured on them. But realize that they have upped their game.

The point isnt to poo poo Samsung. The point is that any brand can have problems, in fact it's the nature of the beast.

Complaining about a company not fixing things on their dime out of warranty seems to be a bit much. Sony has to fix their premium priced sets out of warranty, else they couldnt charge more in the marketplace for them, because there would be a lot of irate customers bashing them on the net....ie......"I paid big bucks for the Sony brand name and it's a piece of crap."

But again, Im not poo pooing any brand.
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post #23 of 79
11/17/12 at 1:57pm
Thread Starter 
Thanks for the comments. For the record, I'd take LG over Vizio based on LG longer brand name (I think). However, in recent years I've been hearing and reading about how Vizio is a good value. Also when you see a Vizio product rated high on a review website, you gotta figure it's a good product.

I just came back from hell (Walmart on a Saturday) and liked the Samsung & LG tvs. I hate to sound like a noob but the Vizio 32" just looks smaller than I thought. I measured my bed distance from the TV, in the store, and I prefer the 40" or 42" from Samsung and LG. Of course that store didn't have the Samsung & LG model that you suggested but it gave me a starting point. Now it'll be interesting to see if there will be any price drops in the coming week. I've read the time to buy a TV is early in the year since the manufacturers are trying to get rid of their older models.

Thanks again. I learned a lot on this forum.
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post #24 of 79
11/17/12 at 2:03pm
Lucky Goldstar always brings to mind Quality!


Ha! Ha! Just kidding, LG is a player these days.
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post #25 of 79
11/18/12 at 8:40am
Thread Starter 
Ha. Nice one. Haven't heard of Goldstar in a while. When I was there, I saw a TV called Hisense, I think. Never heard of that brand. I always find it "interesting" to shop at Walmart. Especially in the TV section. Never thought I'd buy a TV there.....
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post #26 of 79
11/18/12 at 8:55am
I believe that HiSense has a good panel with decent blacks. It's the tech and electronics around it that are questionable.

Insignia at Best Buy is pretty good and is where I draw the line.

I wanted to like Sanyo, but they are borderline. Sanyo also is using good panels in their 42" and larger sets. This is a Funai brand.

Emerson doesnt quite cut the mustard.

RCA is borderline too, but I like them less than Sanyo. RCA is produced TCL.

So like this...from

Insignia
Sanyo
RCA

TCL They show great promise as a 6th largest manufacturer of LCD HDTVs but they havent mastered the North American electronic particulars yet.

Coby
Emerson
HiSense
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post #27 of 79
11/18/12 at 10:10am
Hisense certainly has its followers, but I haven't jumped on their bandwagon yet. As I've mentioned in the past, Hisense makes no sense for me, but have heard a few decent things about them.

So, for a cheap TV, it seems that Hisensee may make more sense than Insignia, Sanyo, RCA, Coby, or Emerson but they are still considered a 3rd tier TV so, as they say on "Shark Tank," for that reason, I'm out.

P.S. I think Lucky Goldstar is still the official corporate name of LG.
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post #28 of 79
11/18/12 at 10:18am
Didnt know that there are some knowledgeable fans of HiSense as a bargain bin LCD HDTV.
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post #29 of 79
11/18/12 at 10:21am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Schwacker View Post

I've read the time to buy a TV is early in the year since the manufacturers are trying to get rid of their older models.
Thanks again. I learned a lot on this forum.

I bought my 2010 LG in late January early February of 2011. It was manufactured in November of 2010. The price was unbelievable for what I got and it has been a solid performer ever since. If you don't absolutely have to have a new tv for the holidays, buying around the first of the year for last year's model is a good idea.
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post #30 of 79
11/18/12 at 10:22am
Quote:
Originally Posted by EscapeVelocity View Post

Didnt know that there are some knowledgeable fans of HiSense as a bargain bin LCD HDTV.
I have a friend who actually bought one and likes it. Of course, his previous "big-screen" TV as he called it was a 27" Toshiba CRT that he had for years, so even a 40" or 42" Hisense would probably be an upgrade in his eyes. smile.gif
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